Portland installs city’s first in-pipe hydroelectric system

The city of Portland, Ore., is set to begin construction of the city’s first in-pipe hydropower renewable energy system.

The city of Portland, Ore., is set to begin construction of the city’s first in-pipe hydropower renewable energy system.

The project, which is slated for completion in June 2013, will help the city meet its Climate Action Plan goals and reinforce Portland’s status as a global leader in renewable energy and green innovation, according to a press release.

The system, supplied by renewable energy company Lucid Energy, will be installed in a section of large-diameter, gravity-fed water pipeline beneath the city. It will use a unique, in-conduit turbine that spins as water passes through it, producing clean, low-cost electricity with no impact on the environment or water delivery.

In October 2011 Lucid Energy signed an MOU with the Portland Water Bureau, the Portland Development Commission (PDC) and the City of Portland, Oregon to partner on the development of an urban hydroelectric system within the city. Once completed, the system will produce enough electricity to power an estimated 150 homes.

“We are looking forward to breaking ground on this in-pipe hydropower system in Portland,” said Portland Mayor Sam Adams. “And we are excited to be working with Lucid Energy, a local company, to showcase the green innovation happening here — innovation that furthers Portland’s reputation as a global leader in clean energy and environmental technologies."